Founded in 1968 by Edward M. Swartz, W.A.T.C.H. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising awareness about the hidden dangers of toys and other children’s products. The watchdog group is composed of noted trial attorneys, authors and consumer advocates, and its “Worst Toys” list has been published each year for the past 52 years.
The organization points out that children’s toys are a $108 billion global industry. However, there were at least 31 toy recalls in 2024 alone, due to choking, toxic material and other hazards, which have been common toy dangers for decades.
“The recurrence of known hazards in recalled toys shows a broken system that needs fixing before more children are harmed,” James A. Swartz, director of W.A.T.C.H, said.
Some of the most dangerous toys included in this year’s list are:
- PINOVK TOY COLT 45 PISTOL—Due to its realistic appearance and lack of an orange safety tip, this toy could potentially lead to tragedy.
- BRISTLE HEDGEHOG—This toy is subject to shedding, with its small parts capable of being ingested by children.
- TRANSFORMERS EARTHSPARK CYBER-SLEEVE—Although it is recommended on the packaging not to aim this toy at others’ eyes or face, the toy has parts that launch and could potentially cause severe injuries.
- KINETIC SAND SCENTS – ICE CREAM TREATS—This toy has marketing that says “DO NOT EAT,” but the toy itself is play food, which could be ingested.
- WUBBLE RUMBLERS INFLATABLE FURIOUS FIST—Since this toy is designed for a children’s fist to be inside, playing with it could lead to actual hitting, which can cause blunt force trauma and impact injuries.
- CLICK N’ PLAY TOY REMOTE SET—This toy is noted as not being safe for children under 1 year of age, although the decades-long industry standard is to label toys such as this as inappropriate for children under 3, due to choking hazards
- SNACKLES – SANDY—With an age recommendation of 0+, this plushy toy presents a suffocation hazard.
- X-SHOT POPPY PLAYTIME—The darts in this toy are launched with enough force that they could cause an eye injury.
- PLAYZONE-FIT TRI-FLYER—Although the manufacturer warns that serious injury or death could result from standing on this product, there is no notice about the need to wear a helmet while using it.
- ZOO JAMZ DOGGY XYLOPHONE—This toy is marketed for children younger than 2, but it has parts that constitute a choking hazard.
W.A.T.C.H. points out that the toys included in this list are not the only dangerous toys on the market today. Although recalls are helpful, the group points out that they only occur after the fact, and do not prevent injuries. Therefore, the advocates indicate that parental awareness about the dangers of certain toys is the best means for ensuring children stay safe while they play.
In advance of this year’s holiday shopping season, the CPSC also issued an alert for parents and caregivers, indicating that 10 children died from toy-related injuries last year. For this reason, it is always important to remain aware of holiday gifts to ensure children are not being put at risk.